The StateOf Atlanta Transit

Weaknesses

In 2014, the American Society of Engineers assigned Georgia with a D- Transit grade, lower than the D+ assigned in 2009. When assigning a grade, the report identified the following:

“Georgia’s transit systems suffer greatly from lack of coordination and funding. Without state support and additional local investment for transit operations, Georgia will continue to fall behind as federal funding continues to decrease. Additionally, as congestion increases and the population ages, the importance of transit accessibility for mobility will increase.”

The American Society of Engineers further define the issue with the following:

“Even though Georgia drivers face congestion on a daily basis, the inability of state and local agencies to provide the necessary funding for meaningful transit has created a backlog of needs that are not likely to be addressed in the near future. Metro Atlanta’s current system of multiple transit providers is inefficient, as well as time-consuming and confusing to the users. Without the proper investment in transportation infrastructure, the state stands to lose its competitive advantage in the global economy, which historical investment created. The biggest investments in highways and MARTA were made in the 1970’s to 1980’s, and the 1990’s around the Olympics.

In 2012, Georgia voters were given an opportunity to approve sales tax-based funding for transportation investments, which in the Atlanta region in particular would have provide substantial new funding for transit. Except in three largely rural regions, the referenda were defeated. Transit agencies have relied on federal funding, local funding and sales tax receipts to support services and infrastructure investment. Local transit agencies have shown that they are operating efficiently through high farebox recovery rates, but are lacking the funding support needed to provide more frequent service to attract and retain riders. In the Atlanta region, the long-range plan recommends an ambitious transit investment strategy in the region, but there is very little funding to implement large portions of the plan. Unless some different and innovative sources of funding can be found, Atlanta and Georgia risks falling behind other U.S. cities and states in attracting economic growth. Collaboration between governments is needed to establish a truly regional, accessible transit system in Georgia.”

Three recommendations from the report focus on:

Increasing dedicated funding

Improving transit system collaboration

Repealing the 50/50 Marta spending mandate

Interested In Joining Our Team?

Advance Atlanta is looking for individual, community, and business partners throughout the region to build support for a unified transit system.